NV Energy clears hazardous materials in Tahoe Basin, disruptions expected

NV Energy will begin replacing utility poles and removing large logs and brush that pose a fire hazard to company infrastructure in the Tahoe Basin this week. Due to the steep, mountainous terrain in the area, NV Energy will use helicopters to complete this work.

Customers and visitors to the area can expect the helicopter to work overhead beginning Oct. 15 and moving trucks and other heavy equipment to the area for approximately five weeks.

NV Energy officials say there may be brief disruptions to traffic and trails during ongoing work between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. No power outages are expected during this work.

The work is part of NV Energy's natural disaster response plan, also called Power Safe NV. During this period, NV Energy will rebuild a four-mile section of power line between Hidden Beach Plaza and Thunderbird Lodge. Additionally, the company will remove hazardous logs and brush from six sections along Lake Tahoe.

Roads and paths in the area will be impacted during this period to allow the safe movement of the helicopter and other equipment. NV Energy officials say the following areas will be affected:

Streets:

US Highway 50:

• Temporary closures near Spooner Summit and Glenbrook
• Temporary closures near Spooner Cut-Off Road

State Highway 28:

• Temporary and full lane closures along State Row 28 in Crystal Bay and between Sand Harbor and Thunderbird Lodge
• Lane closure on State Route 28 near Sweetwater Road

Hiking trails:

• East Shore bike path
• Bear Mountain Trail
• Chimney Beach Trails
• Daggett Loop Trail
• Tahoe Rim Trail east of US 50

Officials say additional impacts to customers, including temporary relocations for customers whose homes are in the helicopter's flight path, will be communicated to customers directly by NV Energy.

The work will be carried out by NV Energy in collaboration with contractors from Asplundh, VM West and Wasach Electric.

Further information can be found here.